Moon Nears Fullness: What to See in the Night Sky
Waxing Gibbous Phase Offers Stunning Lunar Views
With the full moon just days away, the current lunar phase offers a brilliant spectacle. As of August 6, the moon is in its Waxing Gibbous stage, appearing approximately 91% illuminated. This phase, part of the moon’s roughly 29.5-day cycle, occurs as sunlight progressively illuminates more of its surface as it orbits Earth.
Lunar Landmarks Visible Tonight
Skygazers can enjoy spotting numerous features on the moon’s surface. With the naked eye, notable sights include Mare Crisium, Mare Tranquillitatis, and the prominent Tycho Crater.
For those with binoculars, additional geological formations like Mare Humorum, the Alpine Mountains, and Clavius Crater become visible. Telescope users will discover even more detail, with opportunities to observe features such as the Caucasus Mountains, Apollo 11 landing site, and the Descartes Highlands.
When to Witness the Next Full Moon
Mark your calendars: the next full moon is scheduled for August 9. This follows the July 10 full moon, continuing the predictable rhythm of our celestial neighbor’s phases.
Understanding the Moon’s Ever-Changing Face
Moon phases are a result of the changing angles between the Sun, Earth, and Moon during its orbit. As the moon journeys around our planet, different portions of its sunlit side become visible from Earth.
There are eight primary phases in this cycle:
- New Moon: The moon is invisible as its sunlit side faces away from Earth.
- Waxing Crescent: A sliver of light appears on the right side (in the Northern Hemisphere).
- First Quarter: Half of the moon is illuminated.
- Waxing Gibbous: More than half of the moon is lit, but it is not yet full.
- Full Moon: The entire face of the moon is visible and bright.
- Waning Gibbous: The illuminated portion begins to decrease from the right.
- Last Quarter: The left half of the moon is illuminated.
- Waning Crescent: A thin sliver of light remains on the left before the cycle renews.
For example, during a full moon, the Earth is positioned roughly between the Sun and the Moon, allowing us to see the entire illuminated face. Conversely, during a new moon, the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, obscuring its light.
